American lawmakers have passed a bipartisan bill that could eventually lead to the shuttering of Hong Kong's U.S.-based trade offices, drawing strong condemnation from the Chinese-ruled city and Beijing. The legislation, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification (HKETO) Act, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming support on Tuesday. If it passes the Senate and is signed into law, HKETO would require the U.S. secretary of state to annually review the "privileges, exemptions and immunities" granted to Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Offices. Beijing strongly condemned the act's passing on Wednesday, accusing the U.S. of politicizing normal economic cooperation and attempting to contain Hong Kong's development. The remarks echoed a statement from the Hong Kong government that decried the U.S. for twisting facts, violating international laws and norms, and grossly interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong.

---

Persons: HKETO Organizations: U.S, Capitol, Senate, House, Hong, Hong Kong Economic, Trade, U.S . House, Hong Kong's Economic Locations: Washington , DC, Hong Kong's U.S, Beijing, Hong Kong, U.S, China